How to Replace .SYS files that Are in Use by the System

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SUMMARY

Windows NT does not allow you to modify system files that are currently in use.

For example, if you attempt to update the driver file FLOPPY.SYS from File Manager or from the MS-DOS Command Prompt, the following error message appears:

   The process cannot access the file because it is being used
   by another process.

   From File Manager:

      You do not have permission or the file is in use.

   -or-

   From the MS-DOS Command Prompt;

      Access is denied.

MORE INFORMATION

The following are two possible workarounds to this problem:

- In File Manager select the driver file that you want to update and

   choose Rename from the File menu to rename the file extension of the
   driver. For example, rename FLOPPY.SYS to FLOPPY.OLD. Copy the updated
   driver file to the same location. Shut down and then restart the
   computer. Delete the old driver file.

- If Windows NT is installed on a FAT partition, restart your computer

   with MS-DOS and copy the Windows NT driver file to the appropriate
   location.